Friday, December 26, 2008

Andrew Freedman, a family spokeman, said Kitt had been treated at Columbia Presbyterian Hospital, died of colon cancer.

Ms. Kitt, a self-proclaimed "sex-kitten" rose from South Carolina cotton fields to become an international symbol of elegance and sensuality. Her career spanned six decades with her winning two Emmys and earning nominations for a third Emmy, several Tonys and two Grammy Awards.

Ms. Kitt, was a versatile entertainer performing on stage, in movies and on television. Kitt, famous for her catlike purr, took over the role of Catwoman on the popular "Batman" series in 1967-68, replacing Julie Newman.

A talented singer with a distinctive voice released the sultry "Santa Baby" which is played every Christmas. I have this song as my Christmas ringtone.

Her last performance, a PBS special, scheduled to air in February, was taped six weeks ago. Orson Welles called her the "most exciting woman in the world." I couldn't agree more.

According to AIDS.gov, the estimated number of people living with HIV worldwide is over 33 million, over one million Americans are living with HIV.

"Leadership-Stop AIDS.Keep the Promise" is this year's theme. People living with HIV and AIDS (PLHIV) and their supporters are the driving force in the fight against the disease. They have taken the lead in asking questions and getting global leaders and governments fully involved in the fight, but the struggle continues. Without PLHIV leadership, universal access to prevention, treatment and care will remain a dream.

To achieve the goal, everyone must do his/her part in the fight. Governments must get involved and keep the promises they made. Community leaders must encourage its members to take leadership roles in sharing information. Individuals must get tested, know their rights to prevention and treatment, and take action against stigma and discrimination, because HIV/AIDS does not discriminate.

It is important to get tested. Early detection save lives. Effective HIV care - including antiretroviral therapies and regular access to primary health care-can help people manage their HIV disease and live longer. So if you don't know your status, get tested.

Since 1988, the face and response to HIV/AIDS has greatly changed. All week and throughout the year, I will post information about these changes and how they have impacted communities.

Wednesday, November 12, 2008

Guests began arriving early. There are no place cards and no name tags. Everyone knows everyone else here. The Rev. Nat Turner will open the Inaugural Celebration with prayers of Thanksgiving, while John Brown assures his sons that Harper's Ferry was not the beginning and that this Inaugural Ball will not be the end, but the Dawn of a New Beginning.

Now, there's a grand foursome - Malcolm X and Betty Shabazz sharing laughs with Martin and Coretta Scott King. Looks like Hosea Williams refused the limo again, keeping it real. And my goodness; is that Rosa Parks out there on the dance floor with A. Phillip Randolph? Seated at a nearby table, Frederick Douglass has a captive audience in W.E.B. DuBois and Fannie Lou Hamer, and Medgar Evers has just joined them.

Marian Anderson was asked to sing tonight, but she only agreed to do it if accompanied by Marvin Gaye, John Lennon and Jimi Hendrix. Look, there's Harriet Tubman. No one knows how she arrived, but there she is. And my guess is that, when the time comes, no one will see her leave

There's Jackie Robinson swiftly making his way through the hall as the crowd parts like the Red Sea to the unmistakable sound of applause. "Run, Jackie, run!" Along the way he is embraced by Jessie Owens.

Three beautiful young women arrive with their escorts - Schwerner, Goodman and Chaney. Ms. Viola Liuzzo flew in from Michigan, exclaiming, "I could not miss this." Richard Pryor promised to be on his best behavior. "But I can't make any guarantees for Redd Foxx and Moms Mabley," he chuckled.

Joe Louis just faked a quick jab to the chin of Jack Johnson, who smiled broadly while slipping it. We saw Billy Eckstine and Nat King Cole greet Luther Vandross. James Brown and Josh Gibson stopped at Walter Payton's table to say hello.

I spotted Congressman Adam Clayton Powell of Harlem having a lively political discussion with Eldredge Cleaver. Pearl Harbor WWII hero Dorey Miller shared a few thoughts with Crispus Attucks, a hero of the Revolutionary War.

And there is Madam C.J. Walker talking with Marcus Garvey about exporting goods to Africa. General Benjamin O. Davis flew into Washington safely with an escort from the 99th Fighter Squadron - better known as The Tuskegee Airman. At the table on the left are three formidable women - Shirley Chisholm, Sojourner Truth, and Barbara Jordan - gathered for a little girl-talk... about world politics. As usual, all the science nerds seem to have gathered off in a corner, talking shop.

There's Granville T. Woods and Lewis Latimer needling each other about whose inventions are better. Someone jokingly asked Benjamin Banneker if he had needed directions to Washington. And George Washington Carver was overheard asking, "What, no peanuts?" Dualing bands? Anytime Duke Ellington and Count Basie get together, you know the place will be jumping.

Tonight is special, of course, so we have Miles, Dizzy, and Satchmo sitting in on trumpet, with Coltrane, Cannonball, and Bird on sax. Everyone's attention is directed to the dance floor where Bill "Bojangles" Robinson is tap dancing. Right beside him is Sammy Davis Jr., doing his Bojangles routine. And behind his back, Gregory Hines is imitating them both. Applause and laughter abound! The Hollywood contingent has just arrived from the Coast. Led by filmmaker Oscar Micheau, Paul Robeson, Cana a Lee, and Hattie McDaniel, they find their way to their tables. Dorothy Dandridge, looking exquisite in gold lame is seen signaling to her husband, Harold Nicholas,who is standing on the floor with brother Fayard watching Gregory Hines dance."Hold me back," quips Harold, "before I show that youngster how it's done." Much laughter! Then a sudden hush comes over the room. The guests of honor have arrived.

The President and Mrs. Obama looked out across the enormous ballroom at all the historic faces. Very many smiles, precious few dry eyes.Someone shouted out,"You did it! You did it!" and President Obama replied,"No sir, you did it; you all - each and every one of you - did it. Your guidance and encouragement; your hard work and perseverance . . .." Obama paused, perhaps holding back a tear. "I look at your faces - your beautiful faces - and I am reminded that The White House was built by faces that looked just like yours.

On October 3, 1792, the cornerstone of the White House was laid, and the foundations and main residence of The White House were built mostly by both enslaved and free African Americans and paid Europeans. In fact, most of the other construction work was performed by immigrants, many of whom had not yet become citizens. Much of the brick and plaster work was performed by Irish and Italian immigrants. The sandstone walls were built by Scottish immigrants. So, I guess what I'm trying to say is that The White House is, ultimately, The People's House, with each President serving as its steward.

Since1792 The People have trimmed its hedges, mowed its lawn, stood guard at the gate, cooked meals in the kitchen, and scrubbed its toilet bowls. But 216 years later, The People are taking it back! "Today, Michelle and I ushered in a new era. But while we and our family look toward the future with so much hope, we know that we must also acknowledge fully this milestone in our journey. We want to thank each and every one of you for all you have done to make this day possible. I stand here before you, humbled and in awe of your accomplishments and sacrifice, and I will dedicate my Presidency, in your honor, to the principles of peace,liberty and freedom. If it ever appears that I'm forgetting that, I know I can count on you to remind me." It's gonna be a good day.

Tuesday, November 4, 2008

I am so nervous as I wait for the first polls to start closing. After almost two years of following this election and supporting Obama, I am like a mother who is waiting to hear if her child will be okay. I have faith that everything will be okay, but there is always the unknown. The unknown of which I have no control. I prayed for Obama and this country because Lord knows we need it.

My family and I will be watching every news program and pundit dissect this election. We will be videotaped for a documentary. I hope Obama wins. I must have faith that he will win.

Tuesday, October 21, 2008

Officials in early voting states are reporting record voter turnout and expect a higher than normal turnout on Tuesday, November 4th. I recommend you vote early and be prepared to stand in line.

Remember, political attire is not allowed at polling places. Some people have been turned away because they wore political clothing. Don't give officials at polling places a reason to turn you away, we need every vote to count.

If change is to happen we need record turnout in each state. Obama needs to win the state. The popular vote does not decide the presidency, remember Al Gore. Ask family, friends, and neighbors if they need a ride to the polls. Voting is not only important, it is imperative.

Sunday, October 19, 2008

In an interview today on "Meet the Press", former Secretary of State, Colin Powell endorsed Sen. Barack Obama.

The full transcript of Powell's speech:

I know both of these individuals very well. I’ve known John for 25 years, as your set-up said, and I’ve gotten to know Mr. Obama quite well over the past 2 years. Both of them are distinguished Americans who are patriotic, who are dedicated to the welfare of our country. Either one of them, I think, would be a good president.

I have said to Mr. McCain that I admore all he has done. I have some concerns about the direction that the party has taken in recent years it has moved more to the right than I would like to see it, but that’s a choice the party makes.

And I’ve said to Mr. Obama, you have to pass a test of ‘do you have enough experience?’ And do you bring the judgment to the table that would give us confidence that you would be a good president.

And I’ve watched them over the past two years frankly, and I’ve had this conversation with them.

I have especially watched over the last 6 or 7 weeks as both of them have really taken a final exam with respect to this economic crisis that we’re in and coming out of the conventions.

And I must say that I’ve gotten a good measure of both, and in the case of Mr. McCain, I found that he was a little unsure as to how to deal with the economic problems that we were having. And almost every day there was a different approach to the problem.

And that concerned me, sensing that he did not have a complete grasp of the economic problems that we had. And I was also concerned at the selection of Governor Palin. She’s a very distinguished woman, and she’s to be admired, but at the same time, now that we have had a chance to watch her for some seven weeks, I don’t believe she’s ready to be President of the United States, which is the job of the Vice President. And so that raised some question in my mind as to the judgment that Senator McCain made.

On the Obama side, I watched Mr. Obama, and I watched him during this 7-week period. And he displayed a steadiness, an intellectual curiosity, a depth of knowledge, and an approach to looking at problems like this and picking a Vice President that I think is ready to be president on day one, and also in, not just jumping in and changing every day, but show intellectual vigor. I think that he has a definitive way of doing business that would serve us well.

I also believe that on the Republican side, over the last 7 weeks the approach of the Republican Party and Mr. McCain has become narrower and narrower. Mr. Obama at the same time has given us some more broader inclusive reach into the needs and aspirations of our people. He’s crossing lines-- ethnic lines, racial lines, generational lines. He’s thinking about all villages have values, all towns have values, not just small towns have values. And I’ve also been disappointed frankly by some of the approaches that Senator McCain has taken recently, or his campaign has, on issues that are not really central to the problems that the American people are worried about. This Bill Ayers situation that’s been going on for weeks became something of a central point of the campaign, but Mr. McCain says he’s a washed out terrorist—well, why do we keep talking about him? And why do we have these robocalls going on around the country trying to suggest that because of this very, very limited relationship, that Senator Obama has had with Mr. Ayers, now Mr. Obama is tainted. What they’re trying to connect him to is some kind of terrorist feelings, and I think that’s inappropriate.

Now I understand what politics is all about, I know how you can go after one another. And that’s good. But I think this goes too far. And I think it has made the McCain campaign look a little narrower. It’s not what the American people are looking for.

And I look at these kinds of approaches to the campaign and they trouble me. And the party has moved even further to the right, and Governor Palin has indicated a further rightward shift. I would have difficulty with two more conservative appointments to the Supreme Court, but that’s what we would be looking at in a McCain administration.

I’m also troubled by…what members of the party say, and is permitted to be said, such things as, ‘Well you know that Mr. Obama is a Muslim.’ Well, the correct answer is, 'He is not a Muslim, he’s a Christian, he’s always been a Christian.'But the really right answer is, 'What if he is? Is there something wrong with being a Muslim in this country?'The answer’s 'No, that’s not America.'

Is there something wrong with some 7-year-old Muslim American kid believing that he or she could be president? Yet I have heard senior members of my own party drop the suggestion he’s a Muslim and he might be associated with terrorists. This is not the way we should be doing it in America. I feel strongly about this particular point because of a picture I saw in a magazine. It was a photo essay about troops who were serving in Iraq and Afghanistan. And one picture, at the tail end of this photo essay, was of a mother in Arlington Cemetery, and she had her head on the headstone of her son’s grave, and as the picture focused in, you could see the writing on the headstone. And it gave his awards, purple heart, bronze star, showed that he died in Iraq, gave his date of birth, date of death, he was 20 years old, and then at the very top of the headstone, it didn’t have a Christian cross, it didn’t have a Star of David, it had a crescent and a star of the Islamic faith. And his name was Kareem Ushad Sultan Khan. And he was an American. He was born in New Jersey. He was 14 years old at the time of 9/11. And he waited until he could go serve his country, and he gave his life.

Now we have got to stop polarizing ourselves in this way. And John McCain is as nondiscriminatory as anyone I know, but I’m troubled about the fact that within the party, we have these kinds of expressions.

So when I look at all of this and I think back to my army career, we’ve got two individuals. Either on of them could be a good president. But which is the president that we need now? Which is the individual that serves the needs of the nation for the next period of time? And I’ve come to the conclusion that because of his ability to inspire, because of the inclusive nature of his campaign, because he is reaching out all across America, because of who he is and his rhetorical abilities, as well as his substance, he has both style and substance, he has met the standard of being a successful president being an exceptional president, I think he is a transformational figure, he is a new generation, coming onto the world stage, the American stage,

And for that reason, I will be voting for Barack Obama.

Appearing on Fox News Sunday, John McCain said he respectfully disagreed with Powell's decision, but "this doesn't come as a surprise."

I think Powell's endorsement is an indictment on the McCain-Palin ticket and the Republican Party. He really brought home why Obama is the best person to be president and why Americans need to stop the negative rhetoric in political campaigns.

Wednesday, October 1, 2008

Lawndale, CA– October is National Breast Cancer Awareness Month (NBCAM). Since the program began in 1985, mammography rates have more than doubled for women age 50 and older and breast cancer deaths have declined.

This is exciting progress, but there are still women who do not take advantage of early detection at all and others who do not get screening mammograms and clinical breast exams at regular intervals.

·Women age 65 and older are less likely to get mammograms than younger women, even though breast cancer risk increases with age.·Hispanic women have fewer mammograms than Caucasian women and African American women.·Women below poverty level are less likely than women at higher incomes to have had a mammogram within the past two years.·Mammography use has increased for all groups except American Indians and Alaska Natives.

“If all women age 40 and older took advantage of early detection methods – mammography plus clinical breast exam – breast cancer death rates would drop much further, up to 30 percent.

“The key to mammography screening is that it be done routinely – once is not enough.”

For more information about NBCAM, please visit www.nbcam.org. For additional information, please call one of the following toll-free numbers: American Cancer Society,(800) 227-2345, National Cancer Institute (NCI), (800) 4-CANCER, Y-ME National Breast Cancer Organization, (800) 221-2141.

The National Breast Cancer Awareness Month program is dedicated to increasing public knowledge about the importance of early detection of breast cancer. Fifteen national public service organizations, professional associations, and government agencies comprise the Board of Sponsors, who work together to ensure that the NBCAM message is heard by thousands of women and their families.

Sunday, September 28, 2008

The presidential election is less than 40 days away. In order to cast a vote on Tuesday, November 4th you must be a registered voter. The deadline for voter registration starts on Saturday, October 4th.

CLICK ON YOUR HOME STATE TO GET VOTER REGISTRATION INFORMATION, SOME DATES ARE MAIL ONLY DEADLINES.

Wednesday, September 24, 2008

Republican presidential candidate Sen. John McCain called for his rival Barack Obama to join him in suspending their campaigns, postponing Friday's debate, and work together to deal with the financial crisis.

McCain, speaking at former President Clinton's Global Initiative session in New York, said he would put politics aside and return to Washington to focus on the nation's financial problems.

Sen. Barack Obama agreed with Sen. McCain about dealing with the financial crisis but rejected his call for postponing the debate. In a press conference today, Sen. Obama said "I think it is going to be part of the president's job to deal with more than one thing at once. I don't see why we can't be constructive in helping with this problem."

McCain insists he will not attend the debate if no agreement is reached on the bailout. He is also proposing that the VP debate be postponed indefinitely.

I hope Sen. Obama continues to demand the debate. A president has to be able to multi-task, to handle the problems of the the United States and the world. If McCain cannot handle this crisis and campaign how does he expect to handle the presidency.

Sunday, August 24, 2008

As we prepare for the Democratic National Convention, I cannot help but think about the late U.S. Rep. Stephanie Tubbs Jones who died Wednesday from a brain aneurysm.

Rep. Tubbs Jones, the first African American woman elected to Congress from Ohio, was a fighter. She was an outstanding public servant who fought for equality and justice. Rep. Tubbs Jones was known for her legal mind, debating skills, and most of all her smile.

I hope she is not forgotten this week. Funeral arrangements are scheduled for after the convention.

It's been a while since my last post. I was in Chicago for 8 days and got back yesterday. I love Chicago and all of its culture and activities. My sister, nephew, and I got caught in the severe, tornado like weather. I'm not use to that type of weather. California has earthquakes not bad weather. The situation was scary but once we got back to the hotel we laughed so much, it was funny. I wouldn't change anything about our trip to Chicago. I can't wait to go back.

Sunday, July 20, 2008

Saturday, July 5, 2008

Venus Williams beat Serena Williams in two straight sets, 7-5 and 6-4. Venus came down from 3-1 in the first set, breaking Serena four times, before taking the first set in 1 hour and 51 minutes.

During the second set, Venus set another serve record of 129 mph breaking her own record of 127 mph set a few days ago. This matches her tour record set at last year's U.S. Open.

Instead of celebrating too much Venus twirled and waved to the crowd before embracing Serena at center court. Venus was gracious in her remarks about Serena saying, "She played so awesome, it was really a task to beat her."

This is Venus' fifth Wimbledon title and seventh Grand Slam championship. This was her first victory over her younger sibling in a Grand Slam final since the 2001 U.S. Open, and it evened their career record at 8-8.

Venus recognizing her role as big sister said, "Every time I come back I know I have the chance to play well and make history. My first job is big sister and I take that very seriously."

"Serena deserves to win something, so I'll try even harder for that," said Venus. The Williams sisters teamed up together, 3 1/2 hours after playing each other, to beat Lisa Raymond and Samantha Suosuk, 6-2 and 6-2. They won in two straight sets.

As a double team, the Williams sisters improved to a 7-0 Grand Slam Finals. Maybe now the Williams sisters will get the respect they deserve.

Tuesday, June 17, 2008

The Boston Celtics beat the Los Angeles Lakers, 131-92. The Celtics put on a clinic in defense. The Lakers didn't have an answer. This is the Celtics 17th NBA Championship.

As a Los Angeles native, I am happy the Boston Celtics won. I'm happy for these guys because they truly deserve it. Kevin Garnett, Ray Allen, and Paul Pierce have been three of the most unselfish players in the NBA. They will forever be called champions.

Wednesday, May 28, 2008

The Leimert Park Village Book Fair encourages reading, writing, and literacy in Los Angeles and greater Southern California area communities. Towards this goal, the Book Fair provides the community access to writers and their work and conversely, provide writers and spoken word artists a space to network with other artists/exhibitors and sponsors.

The Leimert Park Village Book Fair is organized by a Book Fair Planning Committee of about 30 people, including representatives from local schools, corporate/businesses, libraries, media, literary non-profits, book clubs, poetry groups, local/independent bookstores, community organizations, city staff as well as local authors, poets, and spoken word performers.

The Leimert Park Village Book Fair is Free and Open to the community! The bookfair will be held from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., on Saturday, May 31, 2008 at the Leimert Park Village located at Degnan Blvd. and 43rd Street.

Monday, May 26, 2008

When I first wrote about this political year I said it was going to be a very interesting year, well, it certainly has. Never before has the word "assassination" been used so much in a political year, from politicians and political pundits. The latest incidents comes from Liz Trotta, a Fox Contributor.

During an interview, Trotta was asked by a Fox News anchor Hemmer for her opinion of the recent scandal surrounding some comments made by Sen. Hillary Clinton. Trotta said that, "some are reading it as a suggestion that somebody knock off Osama." Hemmer quickly corrected Trotta, having noticed that she had said "Osama" when she meant "Obama." At this point, Trotta said, "Obama. Well both if we could!" Trotta then laughs. She has since given a half-ass apology for her comments, but she never mentioned Senator Obama in the apology.

I don't believe that Americans find this type of rhetoric funny. In a political year that has seen record turnout people are excited about the political process and the candidates. It's a shame that this type of violent rhetoric is coming from people who have been trusted to teach Americans about the political process.

Let's show Liz Trotta, FoxNews, and other pundits that we will not stand for this anymore. Please sign the Liz Trotta petition.

Tuesday, May 20, 2008

Award-winning artist Daniel Beaty portrays a cast of 40 characters who all respond to a stunning phenomenon. A slave ship rises out of the Hudson River in front of the Statue of Liberty sending the nation into a whirlwind of emotion and exploration in this solo tour de force featuring slam poetry, multi-character transformation and song. In his critically acclaimed one-man show, Beaty takes us on our own 400-year journey in order to see a clear picture of where we stand now. Through the character's various testimonies on identity and personal freedom, Emergency weaves a stirring commentary on modern black life.

Sunday, March 23, 2008

It is with great sadness that we have reached the 4000 mark in the number of soldiers killed in the Iraq war, a war that has lasted for five long years. We still don't know how many Iraqis have been killed. No matter your feelings about the war one person killed is too many. It is a shame that man still does not know how to settle conflict without going to war.

This world is in dire need of change. We need to change how we feel and treat each other. We're all human beings. I am not naive to think that man will stop fighting and killing, but, I can pray for peace. Remember , with God all things are possible.

We need to pray for the soldiers, thier families, and Iraqis. We need to pray for mankind. We need to pray for Peace on Earth.

Wednesday, March 12, 2008

The CDC estimates that one in four (26 percent) teenage girls, ages 14 to 19, in the United States has a sexully transmitted disease. This translates to 3.2 million female adolescents with at least one of the most common STDs.

The first-of-its-kind federal study led by CDC's Dr. Sara Forhan, examined the combined national prevalence of four common STDs among female adolescents. The overall rate of STDs are Human Papillomavirus(18 percent), Chlamydia(4 percent), Trichomoniasis(2.5 percent), and Genital Herpes(2 percent).

The disease rate were significantly higher among African-American girls. Nearly half of the African-American girls(48 percent) had at least one STD, compared to 20 percent among both Whites and Hispanic girls. The findings started some adolescent-health experts.

“Today’s data demonstrate the significant health risk STDs pose to millions of young women in this country every year,” said Kevin Fenton, M.D., director of CDC’s National Center for HIV/AIDS, Viral Hepatitis, STD and TB Prevention. “Given that the health effects of STDs for women – from infertility to cervical cancer – are particularly severe, STD screening, vaccination and other prevention strategies for sexually active women are among our highest public health priorities.”

“High STD infection rates among young women, particularly young African-American women, are clear signs that we must continue developing ways to reach those most at risk,” said John M. Douglas, Jr., M.D., director of CDC’s Division of STD Prevention. “STD screening and early treatment can prevent some of the most devastating effects of untreated STDs."

The findings emphasize the need for a comprehensive sex education program, we just can't teach abstinence. Everyone must get involved in educating young people, both girls and boys, about sex and sexually transmitted diseases. If an estimated 3.2 million girls have at least one STD, then the rate should be high amongst young men.

Sunday, March 2, 2008

Lately, I have been a slacker when it comes to this blog. I only wrote three posts during the entire month of February. I've made a commitment to post more. On the agenda for this month are the elections result, more businesses to spotlight, start a words of inspiration post, and continue to work on the layout. I read a lot of blogs and I admire bloggers who post everyday. Blogging is important because, "Knowledge is Power."

If you have any suggestions, things you would like to see on this blog or discuss, please send me an email. I look forward to hearing from you.

Wednesday, February 27, 2008

Rep. John Lewis, a Democratic congressman from Atlanta, officially announced today his support for Sen. BarackObama. In a written statement, Lewis said Obama's campaign "represents the beginning of a new movement in American political history" and that he wants "to be on the side of the people."

"After taking some time for serious reflection on this issue, I have decided that when I cast my vote as a superdelegate at the Democratic convention, it is my duty...to express the will of the people," the statement said.

This is a major blow to the Clinton campaign. Lewis had been a staunch supporter of Sen. Hillary Clinton. Since endorsing her in October, Lewis has appeared on her behalf on television and at events across the country declaring his support. Sen. Clinton frequently cited his support as a way to gain minority votes, often saying her campaign is a continuation of his work.

But Lewis came under pressure after his constituents supported Obama by a 3-to-1 ratio in Georgia's February 5th primary, and about 90 percent of Black voters statewide voted for Obama.

Lewis and the other Black Caucus members should have remained neutral. When Obama announced his bid for the Democratic nominee for President, no one gave him a chance, especially some member of the Black Caucus. Let's see who else will switch.

Sunday, February 10, 2008

Since my last post so much has happened in the Democratic and Republican presidential elections. Mitt Romney has dropped out of the Republican race leaving McCain and Huckabee as the two front runners. McCain is projected to be the Republican's presidential candidate despite having a hard time securing the delegates needed, Huckabee won Kansas and Louisiana on Saturday, and Romney won Maine on Sunday.

Barack Obama had a great "Super Tuesday" winning 13 states to Clinton's 9 states. Obama had a weekend sweep winning Washington, Nebraska, Louisiana, Virgin Islands, and Maine. This is a clear indication that the American people are ready for change, and that Obama is the person to make it happen. I hope the "Superdelegates" are paying attention.

District of Columbia, Maryland, and Virginia are the next states to hold primaries on Tueday, February 12th.

Monday, February 4, 2008

Since tomorrow is "Super Tuesday" I am urging everyone to vote. I'm not telling you who to vote for, I'm telling you who not to vote for, Hillary Clinton. LOL

Yes, I am supporting Barack Obama. When I think about Obama and what he represents I am reminded of a poem by Langston Hughes entitled "Let America Be America Again." The poem conveys how the American Dream never existed for some people. The freedom, equality, and opportunity that every American and immigrant hoped for but never fully achieved.

Despite critizing the inequalities and lack of opportunities that exist, the poem conveys a sense of hope that the American Dream can be realized when citizens get involved. Obama inspires Americans to do just that. This is why he is getting my vote. Americans must take back America. This is why I urge you to vote. Then and only then can we "Let America Be America Again."

Sunday, January 27, 2008

Barack the Vote! The voters of South Carolina did just that. Sen. Barack Obama claimed a significant victory over Sen. Hillary Clinton and former Sen. John Edwards in South Carolina's Democratic Primary on Saturday.

Obama's 55% earned more than twice the votes of Clinton's 27% and Edwards 18%, making this the largest margin of victory to date.

South Carolina was crucial for Barack because this was the first Democratic primary in the south and the first with a largely African-American electorate.

The win gives Obama momentum going into "Super Tuesday" on February 5th, when voters in 24 states, including California, will go to the polls. In addition to the win in South Carolina, Barack received a major endorsement from the daughter of President John F. Kennedy. Caroline Kennedy in her endorsement of Obama said she believes he can be "A President Like My Father." Ted Kennedy is also expected to announce his endorsement of Obama.

Monday, January 21, 2008

The name Martin Luther King, Jr. conjures up so many thoughts and emotions. As I write this post, I have tears in my eyes when I think about everything he has done for us. Martin Luther King, Jr. sacrificed his home life and gave his life so that we can have equality, justice, and an opportunity for a better life. He raised public consciousness about the civil rights movement and showed the world that America was not living up to its own creed, "All Men are Created Equal." How can America preach democracy to the world and deprive its citizens their rights.

Martin Luther King established himself as the greatest orator in United States history. King's "I Have A Dream" speech still send chills down my spine. I learned about King at a early age. The more I learned about King's life and heard his speeches the more I became inspired to always to do my best, I gained a sense of pride. This is missing in the younger generation. We have failed to educate Black youth on the sacrifices our ancestors made for us to be able to achieve our dreams, it's never too late. We need to always teach the younger generation about King's legacy, regardless of race.

Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. will always have a special place in my heart. I will make sure that my children will know about King and his contributions to the world, how he paved the way for us. God willing, I will be in Washington, D.C. on the day Martin Luther King, Jr.'s National Memorial is unveiled.

Sunday, January 20, 2008

Finally, we know which teams will be playing in the SuperBowl. On February 3rd, the New England Patriots will play the New York Giants for the right to be called Super Bowl Champions. The New England Patriots beat the San Diego Charges 21-12, making this the Patriots fourth trip in seven years to the Super Bowl. The Patriots are a perfect 18-0 this season.

The New York Giants upset the Green Bay Packers 23-20 in OT. After a Corey Webster's interception, Lawrence Tynes who missed two previous field goals, one that would have won the game at the end of regulation, kicked the winning field goal in overtime. Tynes' third time was a charm.

The Super Bowl is a rematch between the Patriots and Giants who played each other on December 29th. The Giants led the Patriots by 12 points in the third quarter before losing 38-35. We'll see if the Patriots can go undefeated to a perfect 19-0 record. I hope the Super Bowl lives up to the hype, I'll be watching.

Sunday, January 13, 2008

Bob Johnson, founder of BET, criticized Obama's campaign for being dishonest and distorting Clinton's remark about Marting Luther King Jr. Hillary Clinton was quoted just before the New Hampshire primary saying “Dr. King’s dream began to be realized when President Lyndon Johnson passed the Civil Rights Act of 1964. It took a president to get it done.” The remark by Clinton angered some black leaders.

While introducing Hillary Clinton at Columbia College, Johnson said, "To me, as an African American, I am frankly insulted the Obama campaign would imply that we are so stupid that we would think Hillary and Bill Clinton, who have been deeply and emotionally involved in black issues — when Barack Obama was doing something in the neighborhood; I won't say what he was doing, but he said it in his book — when they have been involved."

Johnson seems to be referring to Obama's admission of drug use in his book, "Dreams from My Father." Johnson later said his comments referred to Obama's work as a community organizer in Chicago "and nothing else. Any other suggestion is simply irresponsible and incorrect," he said in a statement released by Clinton's campaign. (Read the entire article byPhilip Elliott, APNews)

Obviously, Johnson thinks that we are so stupid to believe he was talking about Obama's work as a community organizer. I find this insulting from a man who started a black cable network that only showed negative and derogatory images about blacks and women. This is the same man who cancelled the positive shows on BET. I guess this shouldn't surprise me.

For the record, Obama never commented on the remarks Clinton made. Bob Johnson needs to tell Hillary to be careful what you say.

Tuesday, January 8, 2008

As mentioned in a previous post, this is going to be an interesting political year. Hillary Clinton beat Barack Obama by 3 percentage points to win the New Hampshire primary. This caught most political analysts by surprise. The polls showed Obama leading Clinton leading up to the primary, and exit polls had him ahead. The women, especially older women, voted for Mrs. Clinton giving her the victory. This race is far from over.

Thursday, January 3, 2008

Ain't no stopping us now! Obama has won the Iowa caucus. The voters have selected Obama as the person they would like to represent them as the Democratic candidate in the Presidential Election. While this is the first of many primaries, the voters of Iowa sent a strong message to the rest of America, they want change. The debate has been change versus experience, and clearly people want change. Obama who runs his campaign on "change" has clearly made an impact with Iowa's Democratic voters. Change is good.

This will be a very interesting and exciting political year. Next is New Hampshire.

Tuesday, January 1, 2008

Happy New Year!! The new year is about change. As I look forward to the new year, I can only hope that whatever happens I will be mentally, spiritually, physically, and financially ready to handle life's changes. Predicting the future is impossible but preparing for life is not. There are some changes I will make this year, God willing. I plan on making the most of every day.

I hope 2008 brings you a year full of life's joy. January 1st is the start of a new year, but every morning is the start of a new day. Live for every day and not for every new year. Enjoy life!